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'Determined to make sure we do everything': Albanese reacts to MPs' calls for duress alarms

SBS News Australia •
October 27, 2026 • 03:43 AM
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The prime minister has responded to a proposal for heightened safety measures sparked by the alleged attack on MP Helen Haines.

'Determined to make sure we do everything': Albanese reacts to MPs' calls for duress alarms

Labor MPs have proposed duress alarms as a security option with the prime minister after raising concerns following a colleague's horrific injuries from an alleged attack.

Concerns from MPs have sparked daily reviews after independent Indi representative Helen Haines was struck repeatedly by a four-wheel drive outside her Wangaratta office.

Haines has lost both her legs in hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition .

Police are examining the motive of the alleged attack.

Anthony Albanese told Labor MPs during a party room briefing on Tuesday he understood they wanted tighter security whether at the office or at home.

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He said the government would fast-track an independent review, with safety and security recommendations a particular focus.

"You've all dedicated so much to the safety of others in the workplace," Albanese told colleagues.

"I'm determined to make sure we do everything for your safety and the safety of your staff as well."

Opposition leader Angus Taylor told a Coalition party room meeting political violence had largely been avoided in Australia because of a "robust parliamentary system".

"The foundation of the Westminster system was to stop violence and wars," he said.

At least nine MPs will have security crackdowns accelerated for their electorate offices, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher confirmed, after they raised concerns last week.

Security in Parliament House's public places will also be stepped up.

"It's very legitimate that we have a look at that and respond," she told ABC Radio.

Security is handled across several departments: the Australian Federal Police is responsible for assessments and security details, the Department of Home Affairs looks after home security, and the Department of Finance handles offices and transport.

All three coordinate to share information, Finance secretary Matt Yannopoulos confirmed in a late-night Senate estimates sitting on Monday.

But the updated protection would not be enough to shield women in the public eye from abuse, Gallagher warned, urging social media companies to take action when threats are posted on their platforms.

Her comments come before the government's Digital Duty of Care bill returns for debate in the lower house.

Under the proposal, social media platforms would be forced to protect users under 18 from content that promotes crime, eating disorders, pornography or misogynistic content, as well as posts that cause distress.

Representatives from the media regulator and the eSafety commissioner will likely field questions about the proposed legislation during Senate estimates on Tuesday.

MPs from across the political divide paused proceedings on Monday for a full day of tributes to Haines.

As the sun set over the capital, Labor backbencher Ali France described learning of the attack.

"I felt like I couldn't breathe, my chest hurt, and like the speed of light, my brain went straight to her fight for life," France recounted in parliament.

"The flashes of fear that she may have had, the confusion of not knowing what was hurt or who was hurt, the urgency and the heroism of bystanders, her staff, and first responders.

France was seriously injured saving her youngest son Zac from an out-of-control vehicle in a shopping centre car park in 2011 and had a leg amputated.

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